The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of the grand hallway.
Clara walked slowly down the long corridor toward her father's quiet study.
She adjusted the silk belt of her cream night suit with cold hands.
The air inside the mansion felt unusually heavy and quiet that morning.
Her father had been sick for several weeks without any real sign of improvement.
She had sacrificed her entire job to stay home and care for him daily.
Yet her stepmother Victoria always acted like Clara was just an unwelcome guest.
Clara: Victoria, have you seen my father's medicine bottle this morning?
Victoria: It is right where it always stays, on his bedside table.
Victoria stood near the polished white railing overlooking the vast lower entrance foyer.
She wore a sharp red silk dress that stood out against the pale walls.
Her bright diamond ring caught the morning sun as she moved her hand slightly.
Clara: The bottle was completely empty when I checked it five minutes ago.
Victoria: Then you must have misplaced the new pills I brought home yesterday.
Clara: I never touched the new package you brought from the local pharmacy.
Victoria: Are you trying to accuse me of being careless with his health?
Clara stepped closer to the marble edge to look directly at Victoria's calm face.
She could feel her own heart pounding rapidly against her soft silk top.
Something about Victoria's stiff posture felt entirely wrong and dangerous to Clara.
Clara: I am asking why the vault key was moved from his drawer.
Victoria: Your father gave me full permission to manage all his personal files.
Clara: He never signed over his legal power of attorney to anyone yet.
Victoria: You think you know everything about his business affairs, don't you?
Victoria took a slow step closer toward Clara with a dangerous, cold smile.
Her tall red heels made a sharp clicking sound against the polished floor.
Clara backed up until her lower back hit the cool white railing balustrade.
Clara: Please stand back and let me walk down to the kitchen now.
Victoria: You always thought you were better than me in this big house.
Clara: I only ever wanted to keep my father safe and healthy here.
Victoria: Your time in this family is officially coming to an end today.
Victoria reached out quickly and grabbed Clara by both of her soft shoulders.
Clara gasped loudly in utter shock as she felt herself being shoved backward.
Her slippered feet slipped instantly on the sleek, glossy marble surface beneath her.
Clara: Help me!
Her terrifying cry echoed through the enormous, empty foyer down below them.